You're where the Wild Things are...

An in-character blog set in the universe of EVE Online. These are the private diary entries of Lady Ekaterina Mariya deSilvestris, a minor Amarrian Noble and Capsuleer. Other existing characters within EVE will be referred to throughout, though any opinions and views expressed are those of this character. These entries may touch on or directly address mature themes such as violence, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and mental health. As noted, any views are those of the character.

Before we begin, I feel it important to say a few words on the subject of mental health. Ekaterina, or Ekat as many call her, is something of a troubled soul. This aspect of her character is a personal choice I have made, for very personal reasons. Although EVE is a game in which the players can immerse themselves to a greater or lesser degree as they wish, mental health is a very real issue for many people. Those two simple words cover a myriad different issues and concerns that affect people directly or indirectly every day all, over the world.

If you find yourself affected by any issues touched upon in these posts, or if you face your own troubles, please know that there are people out there you can turn to; doctors, friends, family - there is ALWAYS someone. If you are an EVE player, then Broadcast 4 Reps chat is available, staffed by wonderfully kind and good-hearted volunteers. If you know of someone who has mental health issues, then please just let them know you are there. It doesn't have to be anything big, just a smile, a cup of tea, a quick phone call about last night's game - just a little thing to show they aren't forgotten.

You Never Fly Alone.
28-01-YC121

Sasha has written. He shall be returning home soon.  Now that we have Victory in Thebeka, the planetside operations are winding down.  Mama will be so pleased to have him back safe.  I must let Kolya and Felix know.

Captain Elkin has also announced Victory Dinner in celebration at her Family Estate.  Formal dress, of course.  I am sure it will be absolutely delightful.  Captain Elkin is quite the sophisticated lady, and there is no doubt it will be absolutely the subject of discussion in polite society for a long time.

I have asked Captain Elkin if I may be permitted to ask Amadin to accompany me.  I understand he is a little rough around the edges for her, but she agreed.  I informed him earlier tonight, and he seemed quite pleased (apparently, he had been moping about beforehand, quite keen to see me, but one cannot read too much into such things. Or can one?).  We also spoke a little of PIE, and I must admit I rather encouraged him.  I must not be overly enthusiastic about that, I know that Directrix Aspenstar would not dislike Amadin joining SFRIM.

Speaking of the Directrix, she has offered Amadin and I a safe haven should we travel to the Gate.  So kind and thoughtful.  She had spoken to Amadin about it.  Amusingly, he could not remember her name, so he described her as the "very blonde lady who runs the Citadel by the Gate."  Oh, Amadin, you do make me laugh.
27-01-YC121

He was there!

We talked for a while.  His family is very much into commerce, and he has a wonderful head for numbers.  Quite impressive.  Coarse, but there is something quite enchanting about him.  Sweet, I think.

He was recruited fresh out of the Institute by all accounts.  I am not sure by whom, but it seems to have taken him by surprise.  I do not see why, he clearly has a raw talents there.  He said he had not really thought overly much further towards joining PIE.  So I must say I was rather spontaneous when I decided to try a little hand at recruiting him.

Perhaps not just to PIE...

Then it was his turn to be spontaneous.  Out of nowhere, just there and then, he asked me if I wanted to go to New Eden and see the EVE Gate with him.  Nobody has ever, ever asked me to do that before.  Nobody; and here was this complete stranger asking me at the first time of meeting me.

I said yes.
26-01-YC121

Another operation against the Sabik heretics today.  Still they insist on encroaching into our Motherland, skulking in dark corners, spreading their fear and heresy.  Yet we, the Faithful, Chosen of God, shall burn them out.

There were many on the operation today, including PIE allies.  Directrix Aspenstar and her assistant, Aria, invaulable Logistics support as always, and other, newer, allies, including a newly licenced capsuleer who, I admit, rather caught my attention.

My Executioner fit got another field-test, and not just by myself.  At least one other capsuleer was using it.  We destroyed two heretic FOBs, for the loss of only two or three Executioners.  I feel this was more than fair exchange.

The most amusing moment was when that new capsuleer joined in the final assault on the second tower in an Impairor-class Corvette, armed only with civilian-issue gatling pulse lasers.  I cannot fault him for his bravery.  He was credited with the kill-assist.

This young man's name is Amadin Wa-Sethna.  The third son of a Merchant Holder.  He is rather quite nice.  A little rough around the edges, perhaps; I do not think Captain Elkin approved of his language.  It does not offend me, I am too used to being around Navy personnel.

There is to be something of a celebration later.  I will try my best to be there.  I rather hope Amadin is there too.
21-01-YC121

Edward contracted me an Anathema today.  He apparently no longer had any use for her, and knowing my love for that particular class of ship, he wanted to gift her to me.  I offered him the value of her, of course.  This is not the same as last time.  He refused to take any ISK for her, so, in the end, I suppose she was a gift of sorts.  My conscience is clear, however.  There are no hidden meanings or obligations attached, I was quite clear about offering money, the correct value, and he completely refused.

It sounds as though I am trying to justify myself.  Perhaps I am.

I have just brought her home.  She is a beautiful ship.
12-01-YC121

I have had shore-leave, and have been so busy studying I have utterly neglected this.  Nothing particularly exciting happened, I must admit.  I have been spending quite a lot of time training in a little gym on the Thebeka station.  It is out of the way, very quiet, and I can train without being disturbed.  I do not think most would approve of my regimen, but it helps.  Especially when I fail to block the drones.

I actually encountered Ishta there today.  She has a similar regimen to mine.  I suppose that is onyl natural - she has been far more of an influence that I care to admit.  I am sure her Matari sense of humour would find that delightful.  He studies with Father Mikhail seem to be going well.

Felix is making some excellent strides with his corporation.  I think it upset him deeply to have to take over because his friend passed away, but he throws himself into his work.  He says that he has to do the best he can with it, in his friend's memory.  He is a good soul, Felix.

The situation on Thebeka appears to be improving.  Hopefully this means that Alexandr can come home soon.  It is such a sorrow that not all of our Household Guard will come back to their families.  We will make sure they are well cared for.  Nobody is forgotten in the deSilvestris household.  We will make the enemy pay, too.

I return to duty tomorrow.  I welcome it.  As much as I love to study, I often find myself with too much time to think.  Sadly, I was not present for our greatest victory against the Traitor, but shore-leave was ordered, quite clearly, and I cannot defy orders.  I hope I will be there for future victories.  At the very least, action will keep my mind better focused.

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I saw action sooner that I expected.  No sooner had my leave officially ended than I was ordered to take a Arbitrator-class to the field.  In the end, we did very little.  The enemy attempted to overwhelm us.  I believe I may have managed to obtain some missile hits on the mercenary who calls himself Stitcher,  but I doubt he even noticed.

No matter, it is good to back in action, and there will be other opportunities.
05-01-YC121

It has been such a mixed day.

We took on Electus Matari early on.  As much as they are the enemy, I do respect them.  They are well-skilled and no easy targets.  Sadly, I came off worse.  I am not well-experienced in Abaddon-class vessels.  At least I can honestly say this loss was not due to any foolish mistake.  I was simply unlucky.

I am trying so very hard to block out the sounds of the crew.  It is not easy.  I may have to turn to my Old Friend.

Better news came later.  I am now an Ensign.  Admiral Xideinis was apparently most impressed with my answers.  He has even commissioned a report on Ancient Earthology.  I am looking forward to undertaking that task.  Focus on study will help dull the pain.  Something has to.


Even Admiral Lok'ri likes my Executioner fit.  He had some excellent advice, which I will take on board.  It feels so strange, yet so good, to hear their kind and positive words. I am so lucky to have been accepted.  I am sure I do not deserve this.




04-01-YC121

I put in for a promotion to Ensign today.  I do not know how I feel about it.  I think I would have stayed at Initiate, were it not for Aldrith and Captain Elkin telling me I should at least try.  I know darling Niki would have been encouraging me too (I have not heard from her for a while now.  I do hope she is well).

In the end, I suppose what it was that finally persuaded me to submit my application was the fleet operation earlier.  I was given an Abaddon class.  It was, in all honesty, a relatively quiet operation.  The enemy pick their fights carefully, as do we, but we will engage sooner or later.  It is simply a matter of time.  I pray, if I am not Victorious, I at least serve with Valour and Courage.

I submitted my application, and received a set of examination answers quite quickly.  I did not waste any time, but set about studying and I have just submitted my answers.  I believe I did quite well, but we shall see.  God Wills.

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Aldrith has just left.  I thought at first this my disciplinary coming.  He seems much colder and distant than when I first knew him so long ago.   Perhaps much has happened since then that I know nothing of.   Perhaps he is just unhappy.  I wish I could have made him happy.

Of course, Aldrith, being Aldrith, had come to see how I was after the incident the other day.  He has had the doctor's report,  but he made no mention of it.  I do not think, though, that the conversation went the way either of us intended.  We spoke of Commander Adams, of me being lonely, of, well, of many things.  I am not sure what happened, but for a brief moment I could hear Her, as well as Aldrith.

They are both right.  I need to trust those around me.  There is no strength like it under the heavens.

I almost told him the truth.  I almost said the words I have wanted to say for so long.  He must know anyway, why else would he break the spell before I could speak?  Perhaps it is better they are never said.  I can bear that pain.  I know I am strong enough.

I am so stupid. So hopelessly fucking stupid.
01-01-YC121

Snovim Godam!

A New Year.  I wonder that this one will bring.

I honestly thought I would have been disciplined for my stupid error; but no!  If it was mentioned at all, it was in sympathy and understanding.  No, what has happened is, I suppose, praise, or at least recognition.  By Admiral Xideinis and Admiral Newelle!

They have been considering making some slight changes to   PIE's recruit progamme, and I, apparently, have been some sort of inspiration for that!

It was honestly only idle fitting-theory, and I did not in any way expect it to be any good. Yet, my fit for the Executioner during our Operation against the Sabik heretics seems to have been approved, with some minor modifications, as an introductory frigate fits for new recruits who may only have recently received their capsuleer licence.  It is inexpensive, and relies on speed to survive, and it's offensive capabilites are not so impressive, but it can tackle, and tackle well.  Even on my own during the Operation I had a noticable effect, according to the Admiral, and largely went beneath the notice of the enemy.  In numbers I should think it would be even more effective.

I never dreamed I would ever come to the attention of the Admirals like this.  It is such an honour.  I will endeavour to do better in the future, and become something PIE can be proud of.